Peoria Zoo & Luthy Botanical Garden Curator of Horticulture, Grounds Environmental Services

Position: Peoria Zoo & Luthy Botanical Garden Curator of Horticulture, Grounds, & Environmental Services
Location: Keller

Duties:
Under the supervision of the Director of the Peoria Zoo & Luthy Botanical Garden, the Curator of Horticulture, Grounds, and Environmental Services is responsible for the following duties:

Direct the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of the botanical garden and zoo facilities relating to landscaping and custodial duties. This includes supervising the horticulture and custodial departments as well as various contractors.

Developing and monitoring budgets and long-range plans for the botanical gardens and zoo horticulture.

Manage departmental personnel to include supervision, recruitment, retention, training, development, commendation, and disciplinary action.

Interacting regularly with other district departments and assists them in achieving their goals.

Manage and operate the Luthy Botanical Gardens and the Peoria Zoo grounds and supervise all aspects of staff.

Prepare the department's annual budget for submission to the Director of the Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Garden and manage operations within the approved budget.

Plan, prepare, and install plant and flower displays within the Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Oversee the browse program and educate all staff on browse identification and toxic plants.

Oversee botanical conservation projects.

Participate in the design and execution of landscape projects from construction documents or landscape design documents.

Develop and implement long-range and short-term plans by setting goals, establishing priorities, organizing collections, and designing landscapes in botanical displays and animal exhibits.

Maintain knowledge of horticulture design based on exhibit and/or animal needs within AZA accreditation standards.

Maintain knowledge of plant identification, growth and culture, propagation skills, greenhouse management, forestry, tree protection, irrigation principles, and integrated pest management.

Develop and improve the horticulture facilities by establishing programs on the production and growing of plants; collect and organize information regarding plants; seek methods of efficiency improvement in all areas.

Consulting and advising on horticulture needs throughout the Park District as requested.

Seeking out and utilizing the most current and best practices within the Green Industry.

Planning and coordinating special events, exhibitions, and programs in conjunction with the programming lead.

Scheduling and supervising the proper application of pesticides; working towards chemical use reduction within an IPM program.

Selecting, scheduling and supervising departmental staff, including part-time employees and volunteers.

Working directly with area plant specialty clubs to promote harmonious and cooperative relations.

Soliciting outside financial  coordination with the education department, provide guided tours for school groups and interested parties.

Supervising maintenance of plant records, including accession records in ZIM's Botanical program.

Supervising and assisting in garden interpretation.

Maintaining facilities and equipment at the botanical  coordination with the events department, develop and implement special events, exhibits and programs to increase the zoo and garden's market and generate financial support for the zoo and botanical gardens.

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with Park District staff.

Constantly encouraging greater utilization and visitation of the Garden within the community and out-of-town visitors.

Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

Some physical exertion in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Ability to handle and work around chemicals…